Standing Together for Housing Justice

Last week in Parramatta on Dharug Country, Tenant Advocates came together to stand for housing justice and celebrate 30 years of the Tenants Advice and Advocacy Program (TAAP).

TAAP is the main source of funding for the 15 generalist Tenants Advice and Advocacy Services (TAASs) and the four specialist Aboriginal TAASs across New South Wales. The TAAS network responds to approximately 30,000 requests annually for tenancy advice and provides ongoing assistance to approximately 10,000 tenants every year. Find your local TAAS here.

Last week’s special event, ‘Standing Together: Action for Housing Justice’, was organised by the Tenants’ Union to celebrate the milestone of three decades of TAAP. The event saw Tenant Advocates past and present from across NSW come together to share memories and hopes for the future. We were welcomed to Country by Auntie Kerrie Kenton. Long-time Aboriginal Tenants Advocate Brett Webb spoke about the particular struggles of Aboriginal renters. A panel of Tenant Advocates also shared their most memorable moments of victories achieved for renters. Jemima Mowbray, Tenants’ Union Policy and Advocacy Manager spoke about the end of 'no grounds' evictions, and about Tenants’ Union founding member and staunch campaigner Robert Mowbray. 

As well as talks, there was a dramatic exhibition of tenancy and housing posters from the last three decades – including works from renowned poster-making collectives of the Tin Sheds and Redback Graphix. Sharon Pusell, one of the original artists from Redback Graphix, was present and reflected on some of the powerful artistic and political actions of the 1980s – including interventions by squatters, unemployed workers, and renters.  

Thanks to all who came along, and here’s to another 30 years of renting advice and advocacy!